All user reviews for the Mesa Boogie Roadster Head

In short: all lamps, 4 independent channels, each of 50 or 100W (normal < <bold> > Or less reduced voltage mode < <spongy> >), Recovery (correct) tubes or diodes, a spring reverb. Series effects loop < <debrayable> >, Tuning the overall output level < <output> > And boost < <solo> >.
The manual is downloadable on the site mesa.

UTILIZATION

The config is simple, just turn the knobs, but sharp because there are a lot of possible settings and some very sensitive brief must spend some time. I detailed a bit:

First we have four channels, each with its own volume control, gain, presence, bassses, mids and treble. The first two dedies to its rather clear (but not only!) Have three < <voicing> > Possible (clean, fat, tweed) and (clean, fat, brit) the last two rather dedies crunch and lead (not that either!) Also have three < <voicing> > (Raw, vintage, modern), but the presence of adjustment has more amplitude on the last channel. Moreover, we can choose, for each channel, recovery diodes or tubes and a mode 50W (two tubes) or 100w (the four power tubes at the same time) and an all mode < <bold> > Or < <spongy> > That is to say normal voltage or lowered.

The manual helps quite well in my opinion was to determine the effect of each adjustment. One note is that the global adjustment of the output level < <output> > Is the active effects loop is active, ie even if there is no effect between the send and return. This allows you to adjust the overall volume and therefore play a < <bas> > Volume.

SOUNDS

I use a mesa 2x12 cabinet rectify (the model off the 4x12 did not go down the stairs ...). I rather play in style < <progressif instrumental> > With very different sounds: from clear rather jazzy carément destroy saturates through a little folk rhythms. All with some pretty effects (reverb, delay, octaver, wah ...). I have a scratch score Vigier Excalibur supra and fender (reissue 57 of 96) maple neck, both sound great and very differently (as you would expect!), The amp is very reactive and transcribed all the nuances.

Can be enormously sounds with this amp. The baffle is important because the bandwidth is very extended, especially the bass is abysmal remaining clear (grandiose!). I use it quite spongy mode and in this case I prefer the way the diodes rectify its saturated (in bold the opposite) I think the sound has more grain. We just play a relatively small volume while maintaining its low voltage in this mode. In fact, sometimes I stay glued to listen to a sound so I found it!

One last point, ca seems obvious but the effects must be of (very) high level, otherwise it means immediately.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had 8 months, I played on a lot of combos and this is my first real head. I've heard a number of others, I believe has a certain level it is more a matter of taste. I love the sound mesa, plus I wanted at least three independent channels (which limits already pretty choice). With this amp, I got a big gift that I do not regret, both for the quality of construction (I hope it will as much as my old Boogie Caliber 50 to 86 bp without always!) For the and especially its versatility! I do it again without hesitation buying the same (except for the 4x12 can be ...).

This amp is everything I had hoped for and more. I play in a cover band and we cover everything from CCR to Slipknot. I need an amp that could cover this range of music and provide inspiration when working on original material. The Dual Rectifier Roadster does not disappoint.

I use this amp with a couple of Fender American Deluxe HSS model strats. The cleans range from sparkling pristine to fat and warm. I absolutely love the brit mode in channel two. It's great for AC/DC and other classic rock tones. The amp has the Dual Rectifier sound in channel 3 but don't think that this is all the amp can do. This is the most versatile amp I have used and I have tried a lot of different amps before this one.

UTILIZATION

Aside from the awesome tone, the thing I love about this amp (and Mesa Boogie in general) is the attention to detail that has been put into it. The amp comes with a 30' footswitch cable. Never again will I have to set up right on top of the amp because the cable is too short. The amp also comes with a cover and is built like a tank.

SOUNDS

The clean channel blows my mind. I like playing Jazz from time to time and the clean channel can dial up some amazing rich warm tones as well as bright cutting Fender chime.


OVERALL OPINION

This is the last amp I'll ever need. It's like 4 amps in 1 and love the reverb with it too. It has all the gain you could ever need. After a 5 month "quest for tone" going out, trying other guys junk, waiting till someone is done showing off at crowded stores, buying a JCM900 SL-X and putting $300 into it and NOT liking the tone, I talked with my touring buddy who was selling his beloved Roadster to upgrade to a Mark V.

- What kind of amplification (lamp, transistor ,...)?

It is a 4-channel all-tube, 2 clear, 2 saturated. Originally fitted with 6L6GC, you can also mount it EL34 (a switch on the back and hop the bias is set). The bias is fixed and set a bit "cold" for my taste.

- What is the power delivered?

50W or 100W depending on the mode selected for each channel

- What connection?

An "Input" on the front. As for the back, see the manual (http://www.mesaboogie.com/manuals/Roadster.pdf) for details, but it is very comprehensive.
It lacks a MIDI connection, because it is handy nonetheless. Otherwise, you can go through an ENGL Z11, but may need to tinker a bit (it seems that the Z11 does not offer the option to select "change steady state" or a "pulse" for the commands output )
- What are the settings, the effects? ...

For the settings and modes of operation of each channel, same remark as for the connections, must see the manual.
There is also a spring reverb, well made my faith, full, discreet. Setting the rate possible for each channel.
There is an effects loop, amplified.
The footswitch (included with cable) allows you to select the channel, turn the reverb, effects loop, a "Solo" is a reserve volume control on the front, and how "Tuner Mute" for output " Tuner. "

I give "only" 9, because the stuff that might be missed as a second effects loop, or the ability to mix EL34 and 6L6 are attributes of its big brother, the Roadking. We could also have pushed the deputy to add a little "class A" with 2x EL84, and there would have been Royal

UTILIZATION

- The configuration is it simple?

While exploring all possible combinations with this amp can take time (with the power supply in "Bold" or "Spongy", the three modes of each channel, the 50W/100W, front or diode), the config is very simple. No programming, turn the knobs, switches are activated, that&#39;s all.

- Gets it easy to sound good?

The answer is "YES". The great success of the Roadster (and Roadking) is that all sounds are good. The "Clean", the "Fat", the "Tweed", the "Brit", the "Raw", the "Vintage" and "Modern" all sound very well and are useful. The knobs are very sensitive. The slightest variation suggests. The "clean" and "fat" is derived from Lonestar, and saturated, it&#39;s the classic "Double", but with a more "classy"

- The manual is clear and sufficient? ...

English manual. He deserves to be in French also.
It lacks a little description of the lamps mounted with their use in different channels, buffers, phase shifter. But hey, I&#39;m quibbling, I quibble.

9 to the note on the manual, but hey, I&#39;m quibbling, I quibble

SOUNDS

- Will it fit your style of music?

Definitely!
It&#39;s versatile. With that, it was the sound of that amp is known for Mesa Boogie. Its a little more "British" very well.

- With what (s) guitar (s) / low (s) or effect (s) do you play?

I play with a Gibson Explorer.

- What kind of sound you get and with what settings ("crystalline", "bold ",....)?

The sounds range from the brilliant light obtained with or without fat, fat, with or without polished tweed with sustained and serious munchies, the brit scratching and drooling (but cleanly), Recto sound, ...
Versatile, I said ...

- What are the sounds you prefer, you hate?

Already, the sounds that I hate, it does not!
The ones I like: the Tweed, the Brit, the Vintage and Modern. The others are nice too, but for now, it is those I use.

10 because nothing to say, there&#39;s not quibble.

OVERALL OPINION

- How long have you use it?

Well, it&#39;s not long, 5 days, but already repeated. But immediately it made a difference. All sounds are well defined, nothing abnormal drooling. We hear and distinguish all the notes. The slightest wrong note means more (it&#39;s work, that). No harshness in the sound.
Soon the studio, I will have the opportunity to explore more possibilities

- What is so special that you like most and least?

- The pros: The versatility and quality sound. If we like the sounds American, Californian (bright or saturated), who also appreciates his English, and want a versatile amp is a good candidate.
- The -: A "plop" is heard during the first pass to channel 3. Too bad for a high end amp. And no way to disconnect the power cord of the head. Y&#39;en who love. I do not. I prefer to cut the power supply to the amp that falls when someone takes their feet on the ropes ...

- Have you tried many other models before buying it?

A Brunetti 059. Also great. It has the advantage of MIDI.
I wanted to try a Diezel VH4, but it is not found in stores. Ditto for the MIDI.
I also wanted to try the Triamp Hughes & Kettner, but the side "Jacky" with the neon cooled me.

- How would you rate the quality / price?

Well, the bill hurts. But it&#39;s worth. The sounds are excellent, the perfect finish is hand made in the USA. The euro / dollar ratio of time that these products made in the dollar zone are more affordable.

- With experience, you do again this choice? ...

I think so. This is the purchase of a lifetime. I like the sounds Rican, the Mesa. I like also the fat of crunchy English. And I&#39;m sick of programmable systems. To change one&#39;s live is always difficult. Here you can easily adjust while playing. And it sounds.

If you are looking for a versatile amp, you must test it. And test it will certainly take

9, because I still quibble

4-channel all-tube, 2 clear, 2 saturated. Mont original 6L6GC.

In 50 or 100 watts per channel

Connection with some more classic:
input, effects loop mono, outpout April 8 and 16 ohm ... Big trouble! Abscence of noon!
You can use the Z for 11 trs engl works well.

7 for the lack of connection even when it's twelve o'clock boring.

UTILIZATION

Rather simple configuration. The manual offers an approach Premire but we must spend time on bte to tame. Like any high end amp for that matter.
We must explore every nook and cranny of each channel as they reclent trs often enjoyable surprises.

SOUNDS

It's perfect my music.
I make mtal, channel 3 is more than enough.
The beautiful clear in channel1
The british crunch that goes into channel 2
And heavy distortion channel 4

It is basic that is obtained quickly without trs rglage end.
With research, we can bring to a crunch and catchy distortion to the light crunch with a strong attack.

One for clean sounds really good.

I use 50 watts per channel in a grain that seems tighter. It's more than enough!
It is a power amp dcuple tural hallucinating. Diezel VH4 the burying of my comrade.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had three weeks.
Premire approach: you plug, you play low volume and sounds dj.
You really feel a power reserve of a standard and gain incredible.

The distortion is not easy rgler. I move closer to that to which I tender little small but have not found my sound exatement. But not now!

What I like least: The abscence of noon. It's a shame given the price and the quality of the head.
What I like most: the rest ....

I played forward on triaxis/2-90 ... there's no photo, the head is really what I want.
8 because I expect to have some exprience on this head pourpouvoir note 10.

It remains but becomes affordable CHRE good opportunities as a t the case for me.

I am happy with my purchase trs.

Tube amp: 6 12AX7, 4 6L6, 2 5u4

faade in:
-4 Channels: two clean / crunch crunch and 2 / disto
EQUASIS-separated: low med high gain master presence
-3 Modes per channel, in order: CH1 clean tweed fat, fat clean CH2 Brit, Channels 3 and 4 raw vintage modern
Two general-master: master and solo
Jack-entry
-Standby mode with the selection of amplification (bold or spongy)
Hand-power

has the artery:
for each channel:
Adjustable-100/50W
One-knob reverb ADJUSTMENT
One-mode setting correct tube / silicon
On off-switch for the effects loop
Overall:
-A series effects loop with volume control knob send
-A 7 pin socket for the footswitch roadster
A rotary-switch ch1/ch2/ch3/ch4/footsw
-7 6.35 mono jacks to manage the various options (reverb loop solo) and a channel footswitch from a standard switch or noon (engl z11, for example)
Tuner-output
-Output slave out with volume adjustable (to retrieve the floor of the preamp and rebalance Poweramp another example)
One-Switch to set the bias if you go for a EL34 (caution must be taken mesa!)
-A switch to disable the loop and tuner output
-Changeable fuse

on the pedals:
-A switch for each channel
-Reverb
-Solo
-Loop
Receiver mute (can cut off the amplifier when there is agreement). this option is controllable since the pedals ... shame as well because it is convenient to the drive via a switch or other z11/octopus twelve o'clock

as you can see is very complete, nothing is missing ... Except for MIDI
-1 Because for the price they have put an implementation aurra noon!
-1 Because if you Midif the head, the tuner mute is without inactivating the pedals of the roadster!

UTILIZATION

Contrary to what one might think in view of the large amount of switches and knobs, the configuration is very simple. just spend a little time to test all the combinations to find happiness
the sound is achieved very easily to the extent that all settings are good, there is no combination or equa that does not sound properly. after this can be complicated if, like me, it was a very clear sound that is chercche. The must spend a certain number of hours or even days, to be paid each channel has its skyscrapers settle, find a suitable microphone, the tyrant of the strings adequate (with the head so if it becomes clear very quickly that even the tyrant of string sets CONSIDERABLY plays on the sound), with or without floyd /-vintage tremolo, types of wood ... balance in the short to 3cm adjustable cables between my tube screamer and my isp decimator!
the manual ... bah as usual in mesa is a bit long to read, but it is very useful because it really explains the operation of the equa very particular, clearly explains the use of different options etc ... and presets proposed are already very very good!
the brief but good except ... bah still a lack of noon, then -1

SOUNDS

Coming soon

OVERALL OPINION

Coming soon

To have the best is to go on the site of Mesa, they do better than me
I can only say that it is full rev, I think there are plenty that morning. Hlas must buy a Z11 or Engl Rockman Octopus, and saw the taking of the roadster is a bit unfair. I does so because of that 9 a.

UTILIZATION

The config is very simple to use. Personally, I went to a system that rack (TriAxis / 2:50) and I wanted to change to a config paramtrable live more easily (the big problem of TriAxis for me). On the roadster, it's clear trs. What a head amp! You just have to take a little head, and ears, to find the sound you want on each channel.
Indeed, no channel is really a ddi SPECIFICATIONS because its pushing the gain, by playing on the power or the choice of lamps as well as the three modes on offer, the palette of sounds is trs trs wide.
As prconise the manual, it is best to start with all potentiomtres noon and the sound is good dj trs. Then began the long hours of arriving cornliens choice: it is the sound clear, but it s also, and the other is super ...
I t really cleans sduit by all when I try this head. Since I have, I am also bleuff by distos.
In short, I use the Tweed mode on channel 1 to have a dig with my trs its strat between Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. this channel is duly. I then use the fat mode on channel 2 (in fact it is my clean), the vintage mode on channel 3 (the most demanding of Contents rglage, and also channel the least forgiving case of bad multi-effect in the loop. It's obvious with my G-major, damage. The quality called ), quality which allows for a crunch or a greasy bluesy lead trs crmeux, it depends. Then Channel 4 I RULES in modern, and it is the correct standard distortion I've ever had with my russi Triax. Bliss.
J'hsite still on the feeding mode choice as spongy, compared to the bold sounds were less aggressive, trs trs enjoyable round and play on channels particulirement 1 & 2. Remaining costs a great volume, I have not done.
As usual, the manual is clear and trs prcis in Mesa, and is best read in its entirety to understand the interaction between the gain / treble / middle / bass.
In short, the sound of this head is terrible. There was a long time since I had taken as much fun playing, I carrment redcouvert my guitars!

SOUNDS

It should be my humble opinion, all styles of music ever!
I play with a fender and a peavey wolfgang ultra and the sound of each guitar is truly magnificent show respect.
There is no sound that I dtest. Just some I like a little less (and still is plutt because I did not use).

OVERALL OPINION

I've had three weeks just prs. The FTEs force, I did that in my essay, so I would put my mind qd days I made RPTES scnes and short, ending for.
I tried a marshall JVM410, which has little prs mm the benefits of connectivity, MIDI and more. I would try it before the roadster because APRS ...
Level qualitprix report is trs expensive, too I got, but hey, since there was this head that I liked, no choice.

Opinion APRS over a year of use:
I almost resell my head after 2 months because I was really struggling in the rgler RPET. But by taking all quiet (and the manual really necessary), I really found the sound I wanted. This head is truly amazing: extreme versatility, quality workmanship, and sounds really terrible in the studio (the possibility to zap the game master and loop, and thus to minimize the fact that a linkage its an incredible purity).

The Mesa Boogie Rectifier Roadster is one of the company's flagship Rectifier amplifiers. It features four channels with a whole myriad of different modes available and many different tones within. It's a 100w tube head that is selectable between 6L6 and EL34 tubes. Since it's such a complex amp, here's Mesa's full list of specs:

Multi-Watt™, Channel Assignable Power Amp (Patent Pending) allows you to assign either 2 or all 4 Power Tubes to each Channel for Power Ratings of 50 or 100 Watts of Class A/B Power via independent 50/100 Watt Power Switches / 4x6L6, 6x12AX7, 2x5U4
Bias Select Switch (6L6/EL34)
Fixed Bias for Consistent, Maintenance Free Performance
4 Fully Independent
Channels with 12 Modes (Channel 1 = Clean, Fat or Tweed™, Channel 2 = Clean, Fat or Brit, Channels 3 & 4 = Raw, Vintage High Gain or Modern High Gain)
Each Channel features Independent Gain, Treble, Mid, Bass, Presence, All-Tube, Long Spring Reverb, Channel Assignable Dual Rectification with Recto Tracking™ (Diode or Tube Tracking – Patents 5,168,438 & 7,193,458), All-Tube FX Loop with Send Level Control (over all channels when activated)
Output Level Control
(over all channels when activated)
Footswitchable Solo Level Control – Patent 6,724,897 (over all channels when activated)
Bold/Spongy “Variac” Switch (Patent 5,091,700)
True “Hard” Bypass Switch that removes FX Loops, Output Level & Solo Level Controls from signal path
Slave Out w/Level Control
Fan Cooled (combos only)
External Switching Jacks for Channels 1, 2, 3, 4, Solo, Reverb, FX Loop & Hundred Watt
8 Button Footswitch (Channel 1, Channel 2, Channel 3, Channel 4, Reverb, FX Loop & Solo)
Slip Cover

UTILIZATION

Dialing this amp in is a fair bit harder to do than certain Mesa amps for sure, simply because it is a 4 channel head that contains many different switching options and sounds for the player who is never satisfied and is always searching for a new tone that will work. It does everything from spanky, jangly cleans to bluesier mid gain tones to the highest order of metal fury, so it can take time to fully get dialed in to your taste. Each channel is laid out with gain, bass, middle, treble, presence, and master volume controls, and in true Rectifier fashion, it takes a bit of time to figure out how the controls react to one another. That being said, when it's all dialed in it sounds excellent.

SOUNDS

I've tried the Dual Rectifier Roadster with many different Gibson and PRS guitars. The clean sounds remind me of a slightly more hi-fi sounding Fender amplifier, though it doesn't quite have the typical warmth and forgiveness that I prefer in my clean sounds. The crunch tones are surprisingly good for a Rectifier, and at their best they remind me of a slightly fuller 6L6 loaded Marshall type tone. Channel three is where the fun starts to begin, and that's where the hard rock and classic metal tones begin to appear. This channel has a fair bit of gain, but still has enough of an open quality to work for 80s rock/metal stuff. Channel four is where the modern and super compressed high gain tones live, and this is the channel where you grab your dropped B guitar and just let loose with a barrage of chugalug. Despite playing at such high gain levels, this amp never lost definition or "mushed out," but rather it remained clear and defined at all times.

One thing to note... this amp loves volume. It's not for bedroom players unless you play in a hockey arena sized bedroom. This amp is built for the stage and to be cranked up. At lower levels it's generally too fizzy and weak for my liking, but as soon as you crack the master volume... look out.

OVERALL OPINION

All in all I feel that the Mesa Dual Rectifier Roadster is a great sounding, versatile amp in the Rectifier series. I'm more of a Mesa Mark series guy, but I found myself loving the tones of this amp overall. Like I stated prior, it does need volume in my opinion to sound its best, but when it's given that it's a firebreather. These amps come in at about $2,000 new, which isn't bad. You can find them for about $1,300-$1,400 used if you look which is a stellar deal for this versatile, metal shredder's dream.

This is in my opinion the best most versitile amp that Mesa has ever made. The Road King has a few more features with the biasing and such but I think it is something that keeps me switching modes and bias and ulitmately keeps you from playing the thing.

This amp is a players amp for sure. It has that familiar Rectifier sound that makes Mesa so unique. It is four channels that sound excellent between each other. So many amps will have multiple channels do one thing well and skip on the rest of the amp. This amp sounds amazing from channel one up to channel four. Each channel is very usable and sounds fantastic.

UTILIZATION

Details
Type Tube
Number of Channels 4
Power 50W Class AB, 100W Class AB Switchable
No Effects
Reverb
EQ Treble, Mid, Bass
No Amp Modeling
Number of Tubes 12
Preamp Tubes 6 x 12AX7
Power Tubes 4 x 6L6, 2 x 5U4 (Rectifier)
Inputs 1 x Instrument
Outputs 4 x Speaker, 1 x Slave, 1 x Tuner
Footswitch I/O
Effects Loop

SOUNDS

I liked keeping it on the diode tracking. It sounded just as awesome with the tube tracking but I felt it needed that extra umph or sizzle in the amp. The thing live on channel four on the modern mode.

Run a Les Paul or a humbucker style guitar in front of this amp and you can hear and feel the power it delivers. It has a unique sizzle only found in rectos. The sponge and tight feature is cool when you need to use it in drop tunings then switch it over to the tight side. If you are playing hard rock and need only a half tuning or regular then keep in on sponge. On the sponge setting you will find the amp a bit more forgiving.

OVERALL OPINION

This amp is a joy to play. It has a solid big sound to it that makes it uniquely Mesa and a raw modern power than defines the amp company itself. I would recommend this amp to anyone who needs a solid workhorse amp that will never fail you.

At new they come in at around $2000, but on the used market you can find them for about $1300. They have a five year warranty that is transferable which is commend Mesa for doing. They are classy company!

There is a LOT to say so here's the info:

http://www.mesaboogie.com/Product_Info/Rectifier_Series/roadster/roadster.html

REM: No MIDI!
Me,
I use a Engl Z-11 for switching effects and CHANNELS same time.
... so no problem.

UTILIZATION

From the moment we are considering each channel as a different amp, it's very easy to use!
(Uh ... unless it's your first amp ... but I doubt)

The manual is clear and precise.
Here:

http://www.mesaboogie.com/manuals/Roadster.pdf

All sounds are good,
but it takes time to find its own sound because the possibilities are virtually endless! It's crazy!
The avantge is that this amp can grow with you, which makes it already a "relatively" cheap. (No need for another in 5 years

SOUNDS

Since this amp can do everything, it should necessarily my style!
My influences: Muse, Pearl Jam, Incubus, Andy Timmons, Coldplay, Joe Satriani, Pink Floyd, ...
I have never been limited.
Sounds more crystalline the fattest, most cleans to the most extreme high gain ... ALL actually.
Personally, I do not play "the worst" as hard alternative rock, not metal.
It suits me perfectly.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had it about 9 months
I had:
Hughes & Kettner Duotone, '70 Fender Bassman 100 Silverface, Hughes & Kettner MKII TriAmp, and I tried many amps aures ...
This head is by far the best I had and I do not exploit the full potential at all.
The value for money is justified in my opinion and especially in the long term.
With experience, this choice of j'aurrai faster!
It stepped on stage and in studio!
You just provide a very good speaker to be below (Me, Mesa and Orange PPC 2x12 rectify 212) because the sounds this beast develops are so rich that low-end speakers will be quickly overwhelmed in rehearsal or on stage.

This is in my opinion the best most versitile amp that Mesa has ever made. The Road King has a few more features with the biasing and such but I think it is something that keeps me switching modes and bias and ulitmately keeps you from playing the thing.

This amp is a players amp for sure. It has that familiar Rectifier sound that makes Mesa so unique. It is four channels that sound excellent between each other. So many amps will have multiple channels do one thing well and skip on the rest of the amp. This amp sounds amazing from channel one up to channel four. Each channel is very usable and sounds fantastic.

UTILIZATION

Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Head 100-watt Tube Amplifier Head Features:

* Handbuilt in Petaluma, California
* Multi-Watt, channel-assignable power amp
* 50/100 watts
* Independent 50/100-watt power switches
* Class A/B operation
* Tube complement: 4 x 6L6, 6 x 12AX7, 2 x 5U4
* Bias Select switch (6L6/EL34)
* Fixed bias for consistent, maintenance-free performance
* Four fully independent channels with 12 Modes: Channel 1 - Clean, Fat or Tweed; Channel 2 - Clean, Fat or Brit; Channels 3 & 4 - Raw, Vintage High Gain, or Modern High Gain
* Each channel features independent gain, treble, mid, bass, presence, all-tube long-spring reverb, channel-assignable Dual Rectification with Recto Tracking (diode or tube tracking), all-tube effects loop with Send Level control (over all channels when activated)
* Output Level control (over all channels when activated)
* Footswitchable Solo Level Control (over all channels when activated)
* Bold/Spongy "Variac" switch
* True "Hard" Bypass switch that removes effects loops and Output Level and Solo Level controls from signal path
* Slave Out w/Level Control
* External switching jacks for channels 1, 2, 3, 4, Solo, Reverb, FX Loop, and 100-watt functionality
* Eight-button footswitch (Channel 1, Channel 2, Channel 3, Channel 4, Reverb, FX Loop, and Solo)
* Slip cover included

SOUNDS

I liked keeping it on the diode tracking. It sounded just as awesome with the tube tracking but I felt it needed that extra umph or sizzle in the amp. The thing live on channel four on the modern mode.

Run a Les Paul or a humbucker style guitar in front of this amp and you can hear and feel the power it delivers. It has a unique sizzle only found in rectos. The sponge and tight feature is cool when you need to use it in drop tunings then switch it over to the tight side. If you are playing hard rock and need only a half tuning or regular then keep in on sponge. On the sponge setting you will find the amp a bit more forgiving.

OVERALL OPINION

This amp is a joy to play. It has a solid big sound to it that makes it uniquely Mesa and a raw modern power than defines the amp company itself. I would recommend this amp to anyone who needs a solid workhorse amp that will never fail you.

At new they come in at around $2000, but on the used market you can find them for about $1300. They have a five year warranty that is transferable which is commend Mesa for doing. They are classy company!

This amplifier stands tall in the rectifier lineage as a more ‘feature heavy’ model carrying the now classic rectifier tone.

- 100 watt all-tube head
- 4 channels, each with independent EQ and master
- 3 modes per channel to adjust voicing
- 50/100 Watt switch assignable per channel
- Diode/Tube rectifier switch assignable per channel
- Tube driven series effects loop, assignable per channel, with hard bypass available
- Tube driven spring reverb, assignable per channel with level independent levels
- External Switching jacks for all functions
- Tuner out and tuner mute
- Global output and solo output
- Footswitch controlling channels, FX loop, tuner mute, and reverb (it’s a big one!)


UTILIZATION

As seen above, the amplifier allows many choices of sound between all the features available, but this is not to discourage those afraid of tweaking. Mesa made the setup of this amplifier per channel quite simple and intuitive. On the front panel, each EQ strip is clearly laid out, and assignable functions on the back panel also follow in ‘channel order,’ making tweaking simple. Assigning different wattage and rectification settings per channel is a very gladly accepted feature, as it finally allows each channel to be optimized for its specific sound, rather than having to compromise other sounds for your usual ‘go-to’ sound. The included footswitch allows quick control of all necessary features, though the external switching jacks, along with tuner out, make integration or outboard gear in a rig easy and nearly limitless!

SOUNDS

Here is where things get fun! Channel 1 is said to include Mesa’s well-revered ‘Lonestar’ clean; a HUGE improvement over the lackluster clean channel usually found on rectifier series. All 3 modes are inspiring, and allow many choices for a truly gorgeous clean sound. Channel 2 adds some gain to the signal, leaning more towards crunch sounds, especially in the ‘brit; mode. Channels 3 and 4 tread into the well-known high gain RECTO territory, but with a slight twist. The Roadster provides a smoother, more refined, and slightly tighter high gain sound than its 3 channel brothers. This, in my opinion, lends to its extended versatility, allowing smooth singing leads, all the way to the heaviest metal on the gain channels. As mentioned before, the wattage and rectifier switches allow one to perfectly tune each of these sounds. Also, as with all their products, Mesa’s manual is GREAT at helping you get the sounds you want!

OVERALL OPINION

The Roadster is a true step forward in the Rectifier clan, and comes highly recommended! It has a few features less than the Road King, but still retains enough to provide immense versatility. No amplifier is perfect for all situations, but out of the many I have owned, this one hits many sounds, and hits them very well. If you want typical RECTO high gain, with an amazing clean channel, and an additional mid gain channel, this is the amp for you.

Thanks to John Petrucci, the Road King took off like crazy. However, it was fairly expensive and had tons of options most people wouldn't use. Mesa/Boogie realized this and created a "slimmed down" version of the Road King. Keep in mind that even though this has less features, it still has more features than most other amps on the market. The features are too long to list, but it has four independent channels, tons of voicing switches, an effects loop, reverb for each channel and TONS more features.

UTILIZATION

Mesa did an awesome job at packaging everything in a logical way. The front contains all the switches you'll mostly use, and the rear contains the switches that aren't necessarily "on the fly" options. The manual does an amazing job at describing how the EQ works, what every switch does, how everything interacts and how to take care of this head. Despite all of these features being packed inside this amp, it's still extremely reliable to boot.

SOUNDS

The sound is pretty much just like the Road King. It can get amazing clean tones, great midgain tones and searing high gain tones. It can truly do any kind of style you can think of with ease. I guess the biggest problem would be some of those "gooey" leads like the Mark series gets, but the assignable tube/diode switch can help get that sweet compression without sounding overly stiff. As with all rectos, I'm a huge fan of boosting the lead channel to really make it come alive for that precise riffing.

OVERALL OPINION

I actually prefer this amp over the Road King simply because of the price. The Road King may have a few more features, but most people won't be utilizing them. If you're looking for a great four channel amp, this is one that should be on the top of your list. It can do most any style without much of a hassle. Just don't forget to boost the lead channel; it truly takes the amp into a new dimension.

The Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Head is a tube based guitar amp head that has a 1/4 inch input in the front for your guitar and also has an speaker cable output to send this amp head to a cabinet. It has two channels that both have traditional parameters for EQ, gain, and volume.

UTILIZATION

The configuration of the Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Head is easy to follow and everything is laid out conveniently. It is easy to get a good sound from this amp as the inherent tone is rich and extremely full sound. It has a lot of room for controlling your tone so you can get the exact tone that you're after. I don't have a manual for the Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Head, but it is easy enough to use that you don't really need one if you don't have one.

SOUNDS

The Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Head is great for all types of electric guitar music, but works best for harder rock, as it has a great built in distortion. The two different channels allow for easy access between two distinct tones, depending on how you want to set it. The clean tone is vibrant as well and is good for any type of clean electric guitar application. The best part about the sound from this amp is that it is versatile and capable of getting a wide array of different guitar tones.

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using the Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Head for about two years for recording and have found that I am always happy when I use this amp in the right situations. The price of the Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier Roadster Head is somewhat expensive, but it isn't unreasonable considering the great amp you are getting. This is a favorite of a lot of guitar players and I can see why. Overall, a great sounding amp that has a great deal of versatility.